ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Conservation of Aravalli Ecosystem- plantation of native & endemic species by DGGI in New Delhi
In the run up to Harit Mahotsav, officers & staff from Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence  New Delhi, planted native and endemic plants, in an effort to supplement conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem at Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, in association with Department of Environment Studies, Delhi University, and Delhi Development Authority.
The plantation drive saw active participation by Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Pr.DG, GSTI, Shri Samanjas Das, DG, Shri Rajesh Jindal, Pr. ADG, Shri B.B Gupta, Pr. ADG and other officers & staff of DGGSTI, Hqrs. and Delhi Zonal Unit offices. Dr. M. Shah Hussain, Ecologist and Scientist in charge, Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Dr. Aisha Sultana, Ecologist, Dr. Dinesh Albertson W, Field Biologist, Dr. Rizwan Khan, Field Biologist, Dr. Dushyant Rathore, Field Biologist, Mr. Pradeep Pal Poonia and Mr. Purushottam Pathak, Supervisory staff explained the goals and objectives of this ecological park and guided the team DGGI in plantation drive.
Around 200 plants of local, endemic varieties/natural strains that are native to Aravalli ecosystem were planted to enrich the local flora which will not only prevent the degradation of ecosystem but will enrich the fauna and help in conservation efforts of DDA. The endemic local species of Albizia lebbeck , Bauhinia acuminata , Diospyros mlntana , Kydia calycina , Murraya paniculata , Nyctanthes arbor-tristis  , Sapindus trifoliatua, Sapandus emarginata, Senegalia modesta , Senegalia catechu , Senegalia senegal , Stereospermum chelonoides , Terminalia bellirica , Terminalia elliptica , Wrightia arborea , Wrightia tinctorea  were planted to enrich local ecosystem.
This Plantation Drive seeks to create awareness to preserve the biodiversity of habitat and to conserve keystone species and other threatened plant and animal species, establish field gene banks for threatened land races and wild genetic resources, promote education on environmental awareness and nature conservation, establish native communities of the Aravalli hills and the River Yamuna basin particularly of the Delhi region, develop mosaic of treatment and catchment wetlands that not only improve the water quality of untreated sewage but also sustain the rich aquatic flora and fauna of the Yamuna and monitor short term and long term changes in the ecology of the Delhi region.
Ministry of Power
Seminar on the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel on October 25, 2021
The Ministry of Steel is organizing a daylong Seminar on the Production Linked Incentive  Scheme for Specialty Steel on October 25, 2021  at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister of Steel Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, and Minister of State for Steel, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste will be addressing the inaugural session. Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog and senior government dignitaries will also participate in the Seminar. The key objective of the seminar is to provide a platform to all interested stakeholders for brainstorming and providing additional on the scheme.
The Union Government has approved a Production-Linked Incentive  Scheme for Specialty Steel to be implemented over FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30 with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 6,322 crore. The PLI scheme is aimed at boosting domestic production of ‘Specialty Steel’ by attracting significant investment. The Scheme shall be applicable for five  indicative product categories, viz, Coated/Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products and Steel Wires and Electrical Steel. Keeping in view the goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, the PLI scheme is one step towards attracting potential investors and to entice the existing companies to add capacities and bring in newer technologies into the country. A detailed notification and the guidelines have been published on the website of Ministry of Steel.
Technical sessions have been planned to have detailed discussions on the scheme with the industry stakeholders. Seminar will also witness participation from policymakers, bureaucrats, steel PSUs, integrated and secondary steel producers, potential investors, steel associations, among others.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
DIVYA KALAMELA will be organized from 15th -24th September 2023
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  organizes unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship regular Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country, ‘Divya Kala Mela’ to continue the efforts divyakala mela will be organized from 15-24th September 2023 at Varanasi, The event would present an enthralling experience to the visitors as vibrant products from various parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works and packaged food etc. will be seen together.
This is a unique initiative of DEPwD towards economic empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan. The Divya Kala Mela presents a bigger platform for marketing and showcasing the products and skills of Divyangjan . The Divya Kala Mela, Varanasi is the seventh one in series starting from 2022 [ Delhi, December 2022,  Mumbai, February 2023,  Bhopal, March 2023,  Guwhati, May 2023]  Indore June 2023  Jaipur 29th june-5th july2023  Varanasi, 15-24 September, 2023.
Around 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 20 states/UTs will be showcasing their products and skills. There would be Products in the following broad category: Home Décor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, Toys & Gifts, Personal Accessories - Jewellery, Clutch Bags.It will be an opportunity for all to go ‘vocal for local’ and products made by Divyang craftsmen with their extra determination can be seen/purchased.
The 10 Days ‘Divya Kala Mela’, Varanasi will be open from 10.00 A.M. to 10.00 P.M. and witness a series of cultural activities, including performances by Divyang artists and well-known professionals alongside. Visitors can also enjoy their favorite foods from various regions of the country at the event.
The event is scheduled to be inaugurated on 15th September at 5.00 P.M. by A. Narayanaswamy, Union Minister of State, for Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI. The occasion will be graced by various other dignitaries.
Department has grandiose plans to promote the concept, as part of which ‘Divya Kala Mela’ is being organized across country. During 2023-2024 the event will be organized in 12 cities.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST supported disinfection system makes N95 Masks, PPE, medical gear reusable and reduces excessive COVID 19 bio-medical waste generation
The system has been validated and tested by the Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering at IIT Bombay
A N95 Mask/PPE disinfection system developed by Mumbai-based start-up, Indra Water, has been installed at multiple Government hospitals across Maharashtra & Telangana.
The disinfection system called Vajra Kavach is significantly decreasing the cost of combating the pandemic by making PPE, medical, and nonmedical gear reusable and reducing the generation of excessive COVID 19 related bio-medical waste, thereby helping the environment. It is also making personal protective equipment more available, affordable, and accessible.
The product uses a multistage disinfection process with advanced oxidation, corona discharge, and UV-C light spectrum to inactivate the viruses, bacteria, and other microbial strains present on the PPE with more than 99.999% efficiency.
Indra Water, the startup which was initiated with the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant from DST  for innovations in the water sector, used the Center for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis  grant of the Department of Science & Technology , Government of India to modify their technology to make it suitable for combating the COVID 19 infection. With support from SINE, IIT Bombay prepared themselves to manufacture and supply 25 disinfection systems per month.
The system has been validated and tested by the Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering at IIT Bombay and has been found to achieve more than 5 LOG  inactivation of viruses and bacteria. It is also CSIR - NEERI approved & IP55 certified and is now being installed in hospitals treating COVID 19 patients across India.
Images of Vajra Kavach system being installed at various hospitals
 can be contacted for more details.)
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Withdrawal of India’s GSP benefits by USA
The United States of America  has w.e.f. 5 June 2019 withdrawn India’s GSP benefits. These are unilateral, non-reciprocal and non-discriminatory benefits extended by some developed countries to developing countries. India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward. It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US. India, like the US and other nations shall always uphold its national interest in these matters. We have significant development imperatives and concerns and our people also aspire for better standards of living. This will remain the guiding factor in the Government’s approach.
In any relationship, in particular in the area of economic ties, there are ongoing issues which get resolved mutually from time to time. We view this issue as a part of this regular process and will continue to build on our strong ties with the US, both economic and people-to-people. We are confident that the two Nations will continue to work together intensively for further growing these ties in a mutually beneficial manner.
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MM-SB
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Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Grant-In-Aid To Rural Local Bodies
The Fifteenth Finance Commission  in its report for 2020-21 has recommended grants for Rural Local Bodies  in 28 States. The grants have been recommended for all tiers of the Panchayati Raj and also to the Fifth and Sixth schedule areas. The grants are provided in two parts, namely,  Basic  Grants and  Tied Grants in the ratio of 50:50. The basic grants are untied and can be used by RLBs for location-specific felt needs, except for salary or other establishment expenditure. The tied grants can be used for the basic services of  sanitation and maintenance of Open-Defecation Free  status and  supply of drinking water, rain water harvesting and water recycling. The RLBs shall, as far as possible, earmark one half of these Tied Grants each to these two critical services. However, if any RLB has fully saturated the needs of one category, it can utilize the funds for the other category. The total size of the XV FC Grants allocation recommended is Rs.60,750 crore in 2020-21. Grants to RLBs are to be released in two equal installments.
XV FC Basic  Grants and Tied Grants of Rs. 15187.50 crores each were released to the States by the Ministry of Finance on 17.6.2020 and 15.07.2020 respectively. State-wise allocations and release of the XV FC Grants is as per Annexure.
Ministry of Defence
Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, AVSM, NM assumes charge as Director General Naval Operations 
Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, AVSM NM has assumed charge as Director General Naval Operations today, on 27 Mar 2019. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 85.
The Flag Officer is a specialist in Anti-Submarine Warfare and has held important assignments both afloat and ashore. In the initial years of his career, he served onboardIN Ships Himgiri, Agray and Ganga as ASW specialist officer and subsequently as an instructor at ASW School. His Command tenures afloat include INS Nashak , INS Magar {Landing Ship Tank } and INS Talwar  and Second in-Command of INS Khukri . He commanded the National Coast Guard, Mauritius for two years  and was also the Commandant, Naval Academy and Commanding Officer of INS Mandovi.
His staff appointments include Joint Director at Directorate of Personnel at Naval Headquarters, Naval Adviser to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Senior Directing Staff at the Naval War College, Mumbai and Principal Director Staff Requirements at Naval Headquarters.
On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral in Feb 2015, he was appointed as the Assistant Chief of Personnel , and subsequently as the Flag Officer Sea Training in Oct 16. He was later appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet in Jan 18 and Commanded the sword arm prior to his assuming of his present appointment as the Director General Naval Operations on promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral.
The Admiral is a graduate from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi. He is a recipient of the Nao Sena Medal in 2011 and the AthiVishistSeva Medal in 2019.
Ministry of Education
2000 students, parents and teachers from across India to take part at Talkatora Stadium in another exciting edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 with the Prime Minister on 29th January
A total of 2000 students, parents and teachers will be participating at Talkatora Stadium from all over India in another exciting edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 on 29th January , 2019. It is a unique interaction where students, teachers , parents and the Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi will come together to discuss issues related to exams and the stress connected to that.
For first time, students from all over India and also Indian students residing abroad are participating as compared to last year where only Delhi / NCR students were called. The participants from abroad include from countries like Russia, Nigeria, Iran, Nepal, Doha, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
Participants also include college students from 24 States / UTs who would be participating in the programme. Already, 675 students from many States/ UTs have arrived in Delhi.
This year a cultural programme of 10 minutes has also been included in which the bright student winners  from Kala Utsav contest, their parents and teachers will be performing. A short film on initiatives taken by Ministry of HRD will be shown highlighting the steps taken since last years Pariksha Par Charcha, to reduce exam related stress.
This programme will be telecast live on Doordarshan which will be carried live by other TV channels. Arrangements are being made for live telecast of the programme on 29th January in all Government and CBSE Schools and Higher Education Institutions/Colleges of the Country and abroad.
Ministry of Finance
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2023-24  – Issue Price
In terms of Government of India Notification No.4-B/2023 dated June 14, 2023, Sovereign Gold Bonds 2023-24  will be opened for subscription during the period June 19-23, 2023 with Settlement date June 27, 2023. The issue price of the Bond during the subscription period shall be Rs 5,926  per gram, as also published by RBI in their Press Release dated June 16, 2023.
The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow discount of Rs 50  per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs 5,876  per gram of gold.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Cabinet approves Elevation of BISAG as BISAG under MEITY, Government of India
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Elevation of Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics , Gujarat as Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics ) under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology , Government of India.
Benefits
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To maintain efficiency and innovation of services, the current skilled manpower working at BISAG may join the national level institute on as-is and where-is basis.
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To facilitate implementation of expanded scope of activities
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To facilitate implementation of expanded scope of activities and efficient rollout of GIS projects.
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To facilitate implementation of expanded scope of activities, aid research & development and technology development.
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Facilitate development planning and good governance through spatial decision support systems.
Background
At present, BISAG is a state agency of Department of Science and Technology Government of Gujarat, located at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is registered as a Society and Trust with the Charity Commissioner of Ahmedabad. Its Governing body is chaired by the Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat. Its charter is based on the philosophy that modern day planning for a holistic development calls for transparent, efficient and low-cost decision-making systems. This involves multi-disciplinary information that encourages people’s participation and ensures equitable development. The application of space technologies , satellite communication and geo-informatics has contributed significantly towards the socio-economic development.
Since this is not a new organisation but only an elevation of existing body which will be an Autonomous Scientific Society under Government of India instead of State Government, the following key steps have been undertaken by MEITY for the consideration of proposal: -
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An Expert Committee was constituted under chairmanship of Secretary, MeitY with representatives from Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Science & Technology and ex-Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences for analysing the proposal. The Expert Committee recommended the proposal during the meeting held on January 28th 2019.
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The CEE proposal was put for consideration of the appraisal body i.e. Committee on Establishment Expenditure . The CEE meeting was held on August 6th, 2019 under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, along with representatives of NITI Aayog, Ministry of Finance and Department of Science & Technology. The proposal was recommended by CEE.
Ministry of Defence
White water rafting expedition – Rudrashila’ flagging in at Jodhpur
(The white water rafting expedition christened as ‘Rudrashila’ undertaken by Kalidhar Battalion was flagged in by Lieutenant General VS Sreenivas, General Officer Commanding Konark Corps on 25 October 2019 at Jodhpur Military Station.
The white water rafting expedition was organized by Kalidhar Battalion to commemorate its 75th Raising Day. The team comprising of two officers, four Junior Commissioned Officers and 18 Soldiers led by Major Ravikant Gaurav covered a total distance of over 140km from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh in the mighty Ganges River in the mountains of Uttarakhand.
Lieutenant General VS Sreenivas, expressed that such expeditions in our Army are carried out to prepare the soldiers to overcome adversities with determination and grit. It also helps to promote spirit-de-corps and courage amongst the soldiers. The team also spread awareness among locals on current social issues of ‘Swachh Bharat Campaign’ and ‘Preservation of River Eco-Systems’..
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre notified Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements to curb misleading advertisements and protect the consumers , who may be exploited or affected by such advertisements
The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority has notified Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 on 9th June 2022, with the objective to curb misleading advertisements and protect the consumers, who may be exploited or affected by such advertisements. According to these Guidelines, endorser includes an individual or a group or an institution making endorsement of any goods, product or service in an advertisement whose opinion, belief, finding or experience being the message which such advertisement appears to reflect.
These Guidelines state that due diligence is required for endorsement of advertisements such that any endorsement in an advertisement must reflect the genuine, reasonably current opinion of the individual, group or organisation making such representation and must be based on adequate information about, or experience with, the identified goods, product or service and must not otherwise be deceptive. It clarifies that where, Indian professionals, whether resident in India or otherwise, are barred under any law for the time being in force from making endorsement in any advertisement pertaining to any profession, then, foreigner professionals of such profession shall also be not permitted to make endorsement in such advertisement.
In case of false or misleading advertisement, as per section 21 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, CCPA may impose fines on manufacturer or endorser uptoRs. 10 lakhs or Rs 50 lakhs in case of repeated violations.
Ministry of Power
NCLT approves NHPC’s Resolution Plan for Jalpower Corporation Limited
National Company Law Tribunal , Hyderabad bench approved NHPC’s Resolution Plan for taking over Jalpower Corporation Limited  as going concern vide its order dated 24.12.2020 and uploaded the same on its website on 07.01.2021.
JPCL was executing 120 MW Rangit Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim. The Company is currently undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process  which was initiated on April 09, 2019 vide an order of Hon’ble NCLT.
NHPC Ltd., a PSU under Ministry of Power, had submitted its Resolution Plan and was declared the successful resolution applicant by Committee of Creditors  on 24.01.2020.CoC approved Resolution Plan was filed by Resolution Professional with Hon’ble NCLT Hyderabad Bench on 28.01.2020.
NHPCwill make upfront payment of Rs. 165 Crore and cost of the project is considered as Rs.943.20 Crore.
Jalpower Corporation Limited is the second company after LancoTeesta Hydro Power Ltd  to be acquired through NCLT process by NHPC.
Monika
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Ministry of Steel
NMDC Celebrates 8th International Day of Yoga
An ambassador of the Fit India Movement, mining major NMDC celebrated the 8th International Day of Yoga today at its Head Office in Hyderabad. Led by the company CMD Shri Sumit Deb along with Director  Shri Amitava Mukherjee and Director  Shri Dilip Kumar Mohanty, employees practiced yoga asanas and pranayama kriya demonstrated by teachers from Namaste India Foundation, Hyderabad. A tribute to India’s ancient tradition of yoga, the event emphasized yoga's role in achieving mental well-being in tandem with the theme for IDY 2022 - ‘Yoga for Humanity’.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sumit Deb said, “In fueling our journey to fitness and oneness with nature, yoga endows us with both physical agility and mental strength. I encourage the NMDC family to cultivate a commitment towards yoga in their lifestyle. It will translate into a commitment towards yourself, your work, and the nation.”
NMDC routinely conducts Marathons, Walkathons, Sports Tournaments, and Yoga Sessions to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle. During the celebrations of IDY 2022, the company also felicitated monthly winners of NMDC Impact League, a gamified walkathon challenge for its employees and their family members that commenced on January 26, 2022 and will continue till August 2022. Since April 2022, NMDC has engaged Namaste India Foundation, Hyderabad to conduct Yoga training and practice sessions for employees. Similar yoga sessions are being organized at other NMDC projects where employees, their families and local people participate. An online yoga demonstration link was also shared with the employees for them to practice yoga from home.